When it comes to achieving perfectly defined, natural-looking eyebrows, two techniques dominate the semi-permanent makeup world: Nano Brows and Microblading.
If you’re considering either treatment in New York City, knowing the difference between the two can help you choose the best, safest, and most long-lasting option for your skin type, lifestyle, and brow goals.
What Are Nano Brows?
Nano Brows, sometimes called Digital Hair-Stroke Brows, are created using a PMU machine that uses a single, ultra-fine needle to implant pigment into the upper dermal layers of your skin. The technique mimics real brow hairs with crisp, natural strokes, without damaging the skin.
Highlights:
- Created with a cosmetic tattoo machine, not a blade
- Strokes are ultra-fine, ideal for natural realism
- Works on all skin types, including oily, mature, or sensitive
- Less trauma = faster, smoother healing
- Lasts 1.5 to 3 years with proper care
Available at Visage New York in Manhattan, serving clients across Queens, Brooklyn, and the NYC metro.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a manual method where a hand-held tool with ultra-thin blades makes tiny cuts in the skin. Pigment is then implanted into these strokes, mimicking the appearance of eyebrow hairs.
Highlights:
- Manually done with a microblade tool
- Best suited for dry to normal skin types
- Creates a soft, feathered appearance
- Lasts about 12–18 months
- May cause more trauma or fading on oily skin
Nano Brows vs Microblading: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Nano Brows | Microblading |
| Tool Used | Digital PMU Machine | Manual Blade |
| Skin Compatibility | All (best for oily/mature) | Dry or normal only |
| Stroke Appearance | Thinner, crisp | Feathered, slightly bolder |
| Longevity | 18–36 months | 12–18 months |
| Pain Level | Low | Moderate |
| Healing Time | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
| Ideal For | Clients wanting precision, realism | Clients new to brow PMU |
Who Should Choose Nano Brows?
- You have oily, combination, mature, or textured skin
- You’ve had faded or blurred microblading before
- You want fewer touch-ups and longer-lasting results
- You prefer a soft, realistic look that mimics real brow hairs
- You need corrections or cover-ups from a previous procedure
At Visage New York, we use high-quality pigments and advanced techniques to customize each Nano Brow session for skin tone, bone structure, and desired density.
Who Should Choose Microblading?
- You have dry, tight skin with minimal oil production
- You prefer a manual method for artistic feathering
- You want a lighter investment up front
- You’re okay with annual refreshers
- You’re trying semi-permanent makeup for the first time
Combo Brows: The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide? You don’t have to. Combo Brows blend Nano or Microblading hair strokes with machine shading, offering a fuller, makeup-enhanced look with natural edges. This hybrid method is perfect for clients with very sparse or uneven brows, or those who want both realism and boldness.
What Our NYC Clients Say
Professionalism and perfection! Magda takes her time to make a masterpiece. In love with my eyebrows! I had mircoblading with shading.
— Aylyn Pimentel
Magda is not just a brow expert — she is an artist!! She provided a unique, one of a kind shaping to my brows that truly suits my facial features and makes my face look better! She knows what she is doing and I cannot recommend her enough. You will not regret it!!
— Sloane Lewis
FAQs
Is Nano Brows better than Microblading?
Yes — especially for oily or mature skin. Nano Brows tend to last longer, fade more evenly, and look more realistic due to finer pigment placement.
Do Nano Brows hurt more than Microblading?
No. In fact, Nano is often more comfortable because the machine applies less pressure and causes less trauma to the skin.
Can I get Nano Brows if I’ve had Microblading before?
Yes. Nano Brows are excellent for covering or correcting previous microblading that has faded, blurred, or changed color.
How long do results last?
Nano: 18–36 months & Microblading: 12–18 months.
Nano Brows & Microblading in NYC – At Visage New York
Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island, Visage New York offers personalized brow artistry in a luxury private setting. Our certified PMU experts guide you through consultation, design, and aftercare to ensure your brows match your vision and your skin.
Magda Freitas is a licensed Permanent Makeup (PMU) Artist and beauty professional based in New York City, specializing in microblading, nano brows, lip blush, eyeliner tattooing, and corrective pigmentation. With years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for facial aesthetics, Magda combines artistic precision with advanced techniques to deliver natural, confidence-boosting results.
At Visage New York, Magda is known for her client-first approach, personalized designs, and gentle expertise—especially in treating diverse skin types and correcting previous work.
